List of Bach works titles. Bach's organ work

Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 is a work for organ by Johann Sebastian Bach, one of his most popular works.

The work "Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV 565" is included in all editions of the authoritative BWV catalog and in the (most complete) new edition of Bach's works (Neue Bach-Ausgabe, known as NBA).

The work was supposedly written by Bach during his stay in Arnstadt between 1703 and 1707. In January 1703, after completing his studies, he received the position of court musician to the Weimar Duke Johann Ernst. It is not known exactly what his duties included, but most likely this position was not related to performing activities. During his seven months of service in Weimar, his fame as a performer spread. Bach was invited to the position of organ caretaker at the Church of St. Boniface in Arnstadt, located 180 km from Weimar. The Bach family had long-standing ties to this oldest German city.

In August, Bach took over as organist of the church. He had to work three days a week, and the salary was relatively high. In addition, the tool was supported in good condition and was configured according to new system, expanding the capabilities of the composer and performer. During this period, Bach created many organ works.

The peculiarity of this small polyphonic cycle is the continuity of development musical material(no break between toccata and fugue). The form consists of three parts: toccata, fugue and coda. The latter, echoing the toccata, forms a thematic arch.

Title page of BWV 565 in a handwritten copy by Johannes Ringk. Due to the fact that Bach's autograph was lost, this copy, as of 2012, is the only source close to the time of creation.

Toccata (in Italian toccata - touch, blow, from toccare - touch, touch) - virtuoso musical piece For keyboard instruments(clavier, organ).

Beginning of the toccata

Fugue (Italian fuga - running, flight, fast flow) is the most developed form of polyphonic music, which has absorbed all the richness of polyphonic means. The content range of a fugue is practically unlimited, but the intellectual element predominates or is always felt in it. Fugue is distinguished by emotional fullness and at the same time restraint of expression.

This work begins with an alarming but courageous strong-willed cry. It sounds three times, descending from one octave to another, and leads to a thunderous chordal boom in the lower register. Thus, at the beginning of the toccata, a gloomily shaded, grandiose sound space is outlined.

Johann Sebastian Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor BWV 565 played by organist Hans-André Stamm on the Trost-Organ of the Stadtkirche in Waltershausen, Germany.

Then powerful “swirling” virtuosic passages are heard. The contrast between fast and slow movement is reminiscent of cautious respites between fights with the violent elements. And after the freely, improvisationally constructed toccata, a fugue sounds, in which the volitional principle seems to curb elemental forces. And the last bars of the entire work are perceived as a stern and majestic victory of the unyielding human will.

Toccata and Fugue in D minor (BWV 565) – business card Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the most powerful organ works ever composed.

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) - outstanding German composer, a virtuoso organist who created over 1000 works during his life.

Bach's work represents everything significant genres of that time, except for opera. Bach - the famous master of polyphony, successor ancient traditions, in whose work polyphony reaches its peak.

Today, each of the famous works is assigned a BWV number (abbreviated from Bach Werke Verzeichnis - a catalog of works by Johann Sebastian Bach). Bach wrote music for various instruments, both sacred and secular. Some of Bach's works are adaptations of works by other composers, and some are revised versions of their own works.

Church organist

In January 1703, after completing his studies, he received the position of court musician to the Weimar Duke Johann Ernst. During his seven months of service in Weimar, Bach's fame as a magnificent performer spread. Bach was invited to the position of organ caretaker at the Church of St. Boniface in Arnstadt, located 180 km from Weimar.

In August 1703, Bach took over as organist of the church. He had to work three days a week, the salary was relatively high. In addition, the instrument was maintained in good condition and was tuned according to a new system that expanded the capabilities of the composer and performer. During this period, Bach created many organ works.

In 1706, Bach decides to change his job. He was offered a more profitable and high position as an organist in the Church of St. Blaise in Mühlhausen, big city In the north of the country. In 1707, Bach accepted this offer, taking the place of organist Johann Georg Ale. His salary was increased compared to the previous one, and the standard of the singers was better.

Toccata and Fugue in D minor (BWV 565)

Toccata and Fugue in D minor (BWV 565) is a work for organ by Johann Sebastian Bach, one of his most popular works.

The work is believed to have been written by Bach during his stay in Arnstadt between 1703 and 1707.

The peculiarity of this small polyphonic cycle is the continuity of development of the musical material (without a break between the toccata and fugue). The form consists of three parts: toccata, fugue and coda. The latter, echoing the toccata, forms a thematic arch.

Toccata

The toccata begins with a clearly visible mordent, which is repeated an octave lower. The toccata consists of episodes contrasting in tempo and texture, ending with cadences.

Beginning with allegro, the toccata ends in adagio tempo on the third degree of D minor (F), which adds incompleteness and makes it clear that this is not the finale.

Fugue

The fugue theme is written using the technique of hidden polyphony. Further imitative development of the work is based on melodic figurations. Interlude and middle part deviate in parallel key F major. The reprise, returning the fugue to D minor, begins with a stretta.

The coda consists of several “improvisational” contrasting episodes (the development technique is borrowed from the toccata). The entire work ends with a plagal cadence.

Arrangements

There are many arrangements of toccata and fugue. In particular, for piano, guitar, electric guitar, accordion, strings, jazz orchestra and other performing groups. A cappella arrangements are also known.

From the 19th century to the present day, interest in the works of Johann Sebastian Bach has not subsided. The creativity of an unsurpassed genius amazes with its scale. known all over the world. His name is known not only to professionals and music lovers, but also to listeners who do not show much interest in “serious” art. On the one hand, Bach's work is a certain result. The composer relied on the experience of his predecessors. He knew perfectly well the choral polyphony of the Renaissance, German organ music, and the peculiarities of the Italian violin style. He carefully studied new material, developed and generalized his accumulated experience. On the other hand, Bach was consummate innovator, who managed to open up new prospects for the development of world musical culture. The work of Johann Bach had a strong influence on his followers: Brahms, Beethoven, Wagner, Glinka, Taneyev, Honegger, Shostakovich and many other great composers.

Bach's creative heritage

He created over 1000 works. The genres he addressed were very diverse. Moreover, there are works whose scale was exceptional for that time. Bach's work can be divided into four main genre groups:

Organ music.
Vocal-instrumental.
Music for various instruments (violin, flute, clavier and others).
Music for instrumental ensembles.

The works of each of the above groups belong to certain period. The most outstanding organ compositions were composed in Weimar. The Keten period marks the appearance huge amount keyboard and orchestral works. Most of the vocal and instrumental songs were written in Leipzig.

Johann Sebastian Bach. Biography and creativity

The future composer was born in 1685 in small town Eisenach, in musical family. For the whole family it was a traditional profession. Johann's first music teacher was his father. The boy had an excellent voice and sang in the choir. At the age of 9 he became an orphan. After the death of his parents, he was raised by Johann Christoph (elder brother). At the age of 15, the boy graduated from the Ohrdruf Lyceum with honors and moved to Lüneburg, where he began singing in the choir of the “chosen ones”. By the age of 17, he had learned to play the different instruments: viola, harpsichord, organ, violin. Since 1703 he has lived in different cities: Arnstadt, Weimar, Mühlhausen. Bach's life and work during this period were full of certain difficulties. He constantly changes his place of residence, which is due to his reluctance to feel dependent on certain employers. He served as a musician (as an organist or violinist). Working conditions also constantly dissatisfied him. At this time, his first compositions for clavier and organ, as well as spiritual cantatas, appeared.

Weimar period

In 1708, Bach began serving as court organist for the Duke of Weimar. At the same time, he works in the chapel as a chamber musician. Bach's life and work during this period were very fruitful. These are the years of first composer maturity. The best ones have appeared organ works. This:

Prelude and fugue c-moll, a-moll.
Toccata C major.
Passacaglia c-moll.
Toccata and fugue in d minor.
"Organ book".

At the same time, Johann Sebastian is working on works in the cantata genre, on transcriptions of Italian violin concertos for the clavier. For the first time he turns to the genre of solo violin suite and sonata.

Keten period

Since 1717, the musician settled in Köthen. Here he holds a high-ranking leadership position chamber music. He is, in fact, the manager of the entire musical life at court. But he is not happy with the town being too small. Bach is keen to move to a larger and more promising city to give his children the opportunity to go to university and get a good education. There was no quality organ in Köten, and there was also no choir chapel. Therefore, Bach’s keyboard creativity develops here. The composer also pays a lot of attention to ensemble music. Works written in Köthen:

Volume 1 "HTK".
English Suites.
Sonatas for solo violin.
"Brandenburg Concertos" (six pieces).

Leipzig period and last years of life

Since 1723, the maestro has lived in Leipzig, where he leads the choir (holds the position of cantor) at the school at the Church of St. Thomas in Thomaschul. Accepts Active participation in a public circle of music lovers. The city's "collegium" constantly organized secular music concerts. What masterpieces were added to Bach’s work at that time? It is worth briefly indicating the main works of the Leipzig period, which can rightfully be considered the best. This:

"St. John's Passion".
Mass h-minor.
"Matthew Passion"
About 300 cantatas.
"Christmas Oratorio".

IN last years life the composer focuses on musical compositions. Writes:

Volume 2 "HTK".
Italian concert.
Partitas.
"The Art of Fugue".
Aria with various variations.
Organ Mass.
"Musical Offering"

After an unsuccessful operation, Bach went blind, but did not stop composing music until his death.

Style characteristics

Bach's creative style was formed on the basis of various music schools and genres. Johann Sebastian organically wove the best harmonies into his works. In order to understand the musical language of the Italians, he rewrote their works. His creations were full of texts, rhythms and forms of French and Italian music, North German contrapuntal style, as well as Lutheran liturgy. The synthesis of various styles and genres was harmoniously combined with the deep poignancy of human experiences. His musical thought stood out for its special uniqueness, universality and a certain cosmic quality. Bach's work belongs to a style that is firmly established in musical art. This is the classicism of the high baroque era. For Bach's musical style characterized by mastery of an extraordinary melodic structure, where the music is dominated by main idea. Thanks to the mastery of counterpoint techniques, several melodies can interact simultaneously. was a true master of polyphony. He had a penchant for improvisation and brilliant virtuosity.

Main genres

Bach's work includes various traditional genres. This:

Cantatas and oratorios.
Passions and Masses.
Preludes and Fugues.
Chorale arrangements.
Dance suites and concerts.

Of course, he borrowed the listed genres from his predecessors. However, he gave them the broadest scope. The maestro skillfully updated them with new musical and expressive means and enriched them with features of other genres. The clearest example is "Chromatic Fantasia in D Minor". The work was created for the clavier, but contains dramatic recitation of theatrical origins and the expressive properties of large organ improvisations. It is easy to notice that Bach’s work “bypassed” opera, which, by the way, was one of the leading genres of its time. However, it is worth noting that many of the composer’s secular cantatas are difficult to distinguish from comedic interludes (at this time in Italy they were degenerating into opera buffa). Some of Bach's cantatas, created in the spirit of witty genre scenes, anticipated the German Singspiel.

The ideological content and range of images of Johann Sebastian Bach

The composer's work is rich in its figurative content. From the pen of a true master come both extremely simple and extremely majestic creations. Bach's art contains both simple-minded humor and deep sorrow, and philosophical reflection, and extreme drama. The genius Johann Sebastian reflected such significant parties of his era, as religious and philosophical problems. With the help of the amazing world of sounds, he reflects on the eternal and very important questions of human life:

About the moral duty of man.
About his role in this world and purpose.
About life and death.

These reflections are directly related to religious topics. And this is not surprising. The composer served in the church almost all his life, therefore most I wrote music for her. At the same time, he was a believer, he knew Holy Bible. His reference book there was a Bible written in two languages (Latin and German). He kept fasts, confessed, observed church holidays. A few days before his death he took communion. The composer's main character is Jesus Christ. In that perfect image Bach saw the embodiment best qualities inherent in man: purity of thoughts, strength of spirit, fidelity to the chosen path. The sacrificial feat of Jesus Christ for the salvation of humanity was the most sacred for Bach. This theme was the most important in the composer's work.

Symbolism of Bach's works

In the Baroque era, musical symbolism appeared. It is through her that the complex and amazing world composer. Bach's music was perceived by his contemporaries as transparent and understandable speech. This happened due to the presence in it of stable melodic turns expressing certain emotions and ideas. Such sound formulas are called musical-rhetorical figures. Some conveyed affect, others imitated the intonations of human speech, others wore figurative character. Here are some of them:

anabasis - ascent;
circulatio - rotation;
catabasis - descent;
exclamatio - exclamation, ascending sixth;
fuga - running;
passus duriusculus - a chromatic move used to express suffering or sorrow;
suspiratio - sigh;
tirata - arrow.

Gradually, musical and rhetorical figures become a kind of “signs” of certain concepts and feelings. For example, the descending figure catabasis was often used to convey sadness, melancholy, mourning, death, and the position in the coffin. A gradual upward movement (anabasis) was used to express ascension, high spirits and other moments. Symbolic motifs are observed in all the composer’s works. Bach's work was dominated by Protestant chorale, to which the maestro turned throughout his life. He also has symbolic meaning. Work with the chorale was carried out in the most various genres- cantatas, passions, preludes. Therefore, it is quite logical that the Protestant chorale is an integral part of Bach’s musical language. Among the important symbols found in the music of this artist, we should note stable combinations of sounds that have constant meanings. The symbol of the cross predominated in Bach's work. It consists of four multi-directional notes. It is noteworthy that if you decipher the composer’s surname (BACH) with notes, you will get the same graphic drawing. B - B flat, A - A, C - C, H - B. Great contribution to development musical symbols Bach was contributed by such researchers as F. Busoni, A. Schweitzer, M. Yudina, B. Yavorsky and others.

"Second birth"

During his lifetime, the work of Sebastian Bach was not appreciated. Contemporaries knew him more as an organist than a composer. Not a single serious book has been written about him. Of the huge number of his works, only a few were published. After his death, the composer's name was soon forgotten, and the surviving manuscripts gathered dust in the archives. We might never have known anything about it. genius man. But, fortunately, this did not happen. True interest in Bach arose in the 19th century. One day F. Mendelssohn discovered the notes of the St. Matthew Passion in the library, which interested him very much. Under his direction, this work was successfully performed in Leipzig. Many listeners were delighted with the music of the still little-known author. We can say that this was the second birth of Johann Sebastian Bach. In 1850 (on the 100th anniversary of the composer's death), the Bach Society was created in Leipzig. The purpose of this organization was to publish all found manuscripts of Bach in the form full meeting essays. As a result, 46 volumes were collected.

Bach's organ works. Summary

The composer created excellent works for the organ. This instrument is a real force of nature for Bach. Here he was able to liberate his thoughts, feelings and emotions and convey all this to the listener. Hence the enlargement of lines, concertity, virtuosity, and dramatic images. The compositions created for the organ resemble frescoes in painting. Everything in them is presented predominantly close-up. In preludes, toccatas and fantasies, the pathos of musical images in free, improvisational forms is observed. Fugues are characterized by special virtuosity and unusually powerful development. Bach's organ work conveys the high poetry of his lyrics and the grandiose scope of his magnificent improvisations.

Unlike clavier works, organ fugues are much larger in volume and content. Movement musical image and its development proceeds with increasing activity. The unfolding of the material is presented in the form of layering of large layers of music, but there is no particular discreteness or breaks. On the contrary, continuity (continuity of movement) prevails. Each phrase follows from the previous one with increasing tension. Also built climaxes. The emotional upsurge eventually intensifies to highest point. Bach is the first composer to demonstrate the patterns of symphonic development in large forms of instrumental polyphonic music. Bach's organ work seems to split into two poles. The first is preludes, toccatas, fugues, fantasies (large musical cycles). The second is one-part. They are written mainly in chamber style. They reveal mainly lyrical images: intimately mournful and sublimely contemplative. Best works for organ by Johann Sebastian Bach - and fugue in D minor, prelude and fugue in A minor and many other works.

Works for clavier

When writing compositions, Bach relied on the experience of his predecessors. However, here too he proved himself to be an innovator. Bach's keyboard creativity is characterized by scale, exceptional versatility, search expressive means. He was the first composer to appreciate the versatility of this instrument. When composing his works, he was not afraid to experiment and implement the most daring ideas and projects. When writing, I was guided by the entire world musical culture. Thanks to him, the clavier expanded significantly. He enriches the instrument with new virtuoso techniques and changes the essence of musical images.

Among his works for organ, the following stand out:

Two-voice and three-voice inventions.
"English" and "French" suites.
"Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue".
"The Well-Tempered Clavier."

Thus, Bach's work is striking in its scope. The composer is widely known throughout the world. His works make you think and reflect. Listening to his compositions, you involuntarily become immersed in them, thinking about deep meaning underlying them. The genres that the maestro addressed throughout his life were very diverse. This organ music, vocal-instrumental, music for various instruments (violin, flute, clavier and others) and for instrumental ensembles.

Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 is a work for organ by Johann Sebastian Bach, one of his most popular works.

The work "Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV 565" is included in all editions of the authoritative BWV catalog and in the (most complete) new edition of Bach's works (Neue Bach-Ausgabe, known as NBA).

In August, Bach took over as organist of the church. He had to work three days a week, and the salary was relatively high. In addition, the instrument was maintained in good condition and was tuned according to a new system that expanded the capabilities of the composer and performer. During this period, Bach created many organ works.

Title page of BWV 565 in a handwritten copy by Johannes Ringk. Due to the fact that Bach's autograph was lost, this copy, as of 2012, is the only source close to the time of creation.

Toccata (in Italian toccata - touch, blow, from toccare - touch, touch) is a virtuoso musical piece for keyboard instruments (clavier, organ).

Beginning of the toccata

Johann Sebastian Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor BWV 565 played by organist Hans-André Stamm on the Trost-Organ of the Stadtkirche in Waltershausen, Germany.

He became famous as a skilled composer and virtuoso performer of organ music. In addition, the musician was also a talented teacher and led concert groups.

Briefly about the composer

During his lifetime, Johann Sebastian did not receive recognition, and only almost a century later did people begin to show interest in his works. Perhaps none of the music of the Baroque era is now as popular as the works of Bach. A list of these works by year should be compiled taking into account the main stages of the author’s work. Subsequently, the master’s works were included in the golden fund of eternal classics and are still popular, having firmly entered the repertoire of concert performances.

The beginning of creativity

Bach, a list of whose works is the subject interesting review, was born into a musical family: his father, older brother and sister were musicians. Since childhood, the future composer showed an amazing talent for learning to play the violin. Even in his youth, he became seriously interested in works famous composers, never missed a chance to listen famous masters, constantly studied, expanding my knowledge.

Very soon he proved himself to be a talented organist. He mastered playing this instrument perfectly, so that musicians even began to turn to him for advice. Bach, whose list of works can be opened by mentioning works for organ, imitated his time, but at the same time supplemented the scores with folk melodies, trying to give it a national sound.

The composer's first works were chorales, hymns and preludes for organ. These works are distinguished by their solemn, majestic character. However, Bach's works, the list of which was constantly replenished, were diverse in their treatment: his early toccatas and fugues have a colorful, dramatic sound.

Weimar period (1708–1717)

Heyday creative career The composer's career began at his new place of work, when he received the court position of organist and musician under one of the German dukes. Here the author had optimal conditions for creativity: he was free to choose a topic and worked with a very good orchestra.

It was during this period that he created his famous cycle of fugues, which formed the first volume of his famous work “The Well-Tempered Clavier.” None of the musicians of that time was such a virtuoso of organ art as Bach was. The list of the composer's works was constantly expanding: he worked a lot, composing and reworking concertos Italian composers. After nine years, Johann leaves the place old job and goes in search of a new one.

In Köthen

The composer's patron was the prince, who loved music and appreciated the composer's talent. He gave him the position of bandmaster and provided more freedom actions. Bach's works, the list of which was replenished with works of a secular nature, received approval and recognition. He composed keyboard music, suites in French and English themes, more than two dozen preludes, as well as fugues. The creation of the famous Brandenburg Concertos dates back to this time. These days they are usually performed by chamber orchestras.

He also composed several concertos. Bach, whose list of works at this time often consisted of works of an entertaining nature, created sonatas and solo performances for violin and flute that resembled cheerful songs. Despite this, in his concerts each instrument received an independent sound.

Religious music

At this time, Johann Sebastian Bach had already become one of the most famous composers in Germany. Works, the list of which now included religious music, grew rapidly. The author wrote several masses on Gospel stories, which are considered one of the best in the composer’s work. As music director of the city's churches, he created a cycle of cantatas for worship, which were based on Protestant chorales. Special mention should be made of the “Mass in B Minor”, in which the author partially used excerpts from his best cantatas.

Secular melodies

However, compositions of a secular, entertaining nature continued to occupy a prominent place in his work: they were given special meaning Johann Sebastian Bach. The works, the list of which quickly increased due to melodies composed specifically for the author’s musical assembly, entered the treasury of the world repertoire. They are admired to this day. Bach, the list of whose works was constantly replenished with the most various jobs, at this time he created his famous “Coffee Cantata”, as well as a number of concerts for cello and harpsichord.

At the end of the 1740s, the composer wrote a new cycle consisting of trios, ricercars and canons, which he presented as a gift to the king under the title “Musical Offering”. At the same time, he composed a number of fugues, in which his art of creating polyphony was especially clearly demonstrated. This work did not see the light of day during the author's lifetime and was published after his death by the composer's sons.

Features of essays

The most famous works of Bach, the list of which was presented above, reflect character traits his melodies. The composer is deservedly recognized as a master of polyphony: his fugues and sonatas amaze with their richness of sound, drama, color and variety of sounds. Even during his lifetime he was considered unsurpassed master playing the organ. At that time, none of the composers could compare with him in this form of art.

Another feature is that it worked in all known musical genres XVIII century, with the exception of opera. However, her motives are still present in a number of his choral works. The author skillfully combined the achievements of northern and southern composers in Western Europe. He was greatly influenced by the work of German, Italian and French musicians.

Bach skillfully combined their melodies, often reworking the works of other composers. He often edited own works, which later became so-called covers, independent and original. He also successfully composed keyboard works. Many of them became a kind of guide for writing and performing polyphonic music: Bach’s experience introduced students to technique and more advanced techniques for working with musical instruments(keyboard exercises).

The significance of the composer's works

There is a fairly widespread point of view that Bach was forgotten after his death. However, this is not so: his organ music and chorales continued to be heard in churches and have not lost their significance to this day. But the fact is that classicism came to replace it, which focused not on polyphony, but on harmony. Therefore, indeed, many young composers began to consider the music of Johann Sebastian outdated.

But such famous authors, as Beethoven and Mozart often admired the work of their great predecessor. Both learned from his work, which had an impact big influence on their creativity. Nowadays, the composer’s works are an integral part of concert performances, and the same work can be performed in different options, since not all Johann scores contain full information about instrumentation. Bach's works, a list of which was presented in Russian in the article, represents only short list works of this outstanding composer and music teacher.